Month: August 2011

Global patterns of civil conflict are directly associated with planetary-scale climate change. Specifically in tropical countries, the risk of civil war have just been shown to double in warmer El Niño years (to about 6% risk per country per year) compared to cooler La Niña years (when the risk is about 3%). “When you think…

In 19th century Bavaria rye prices correlated to property crime rates (see Correlations from weather to sociology). When food prices spiked in 2008 commentators were smart enough to mention this might have something to do with the riots across the 3rd world (see World’s poor are up in arms over food prices). The first half…

This week new evidence that former UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld was murdered on 18th September 1961 has been covered by The Guardian. The Wikipedia entry about him already lists a number of “conspiracy theories”. Who was Dag Hammarskjöld? Swedish diplomat and economist who worked hard to promote peace tending to favor the independence of…

While the emergency in the Horn of Africa was triggered by prolonged droughts, especially in areas struggling with conflict and internal displacement such as Somalia, food prices that are near the record high levels seen in 2008 also contributed to the situation.– The World Bank, Food Price Watch report according to The Guardian, August 2011…

Colombia, oil The Marxist rebels in Colombia, FARC, bombed an oil company’s car. One died, six were injured. Why? Probably as part of an extortion scheme. “This attack … is a true crime against humanity.” – Vice President Angelino Garzon Well, at least it’s an attack on the country’s oil business.View Larger MapSources: Reuters / Colombia…

I made a three minute video about lakes disappearing from Google Maps satellite photos and a rainy day in Copenhagen for Climate Change TV. Check it out. If you like it, head over to the competition website and vote for it, please. I haven’t had the time to watch all of the other videos yet….

All those of us not living under a rock are aware of the famine in East Africa. Some of us have even read a bit about the al Shabaab militia getting in the way of relief efforts. Should one donate when part of the contribution might end up bribing the militia? A recent UN report…